TCA Saddened at Passing of Ambassador Baki Ilkin

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) is deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Baki Ilkin, who was Turkey’s Ambassador to the United States between 1998-2001 and Representative of the Turkish Republic to the United Nations between 2004-2009.

Ambassador Ilkin had a distinguished career at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and served as the Ambassador to the Netherlands (1996-98), Denmark (1990-93), and Pakistan (1987-90). During his tenure at the United Nations, Turkey returned to the U.N. Security Council as a non-permanent member. Under Ambassador Ilkin's leadership, the Washington Turkish House was purchased.

It was also during Ambassador Ilkin’s tenure that the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans was established. While the Turkey Caucus was initially planned to have 25 members, it reached a record 160 members at the end of the 114th Congress.

Ambassador Ilkin was a very good friend of TCA and its sister organization, the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF).

TCA’s deepest condolences go out to Ambassador Ilkin's family during this difficult time.